Free EIN Application: What You Need to Know
Yes, the IRS offers free EIN applications. But "free" comes with trade-offs. Here's an honest comparison to help you decide.
The Bottom Line
The IRS does not charge for EIN applications. You can apply for free through IRS.gov. Professional services charge for expert preparation, application review, and time savings.
Free IRS vs Professional Service
| Factor | Free (IRS Direct) | Professional Service |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $0 | $97 - $327 |
| Time to Complete | 15-30 minutes (if no issues) | 5 minutes (we do the rest) |
| Processing Time | Instant (online) or 4-6 weeks (mail) | Same-day to 48 hours |
| Error Risk | High (you're on your own) | Zero (expert review) |
| Session Timeout | 15 minutes, start over | No time pressure |
| Support | IRS phone (30+ min wait) | Email + phone support |
| Application Review | ||
| Rejection Recovery | You fix and reapply | Guided preparation |
The Hidden Costs of "Free"
Your Time
The IRS online system times out after 15 minutes of inactivity. If you need to look something up, you may have to start over.
Average time spent: 30-60 minutes including research
Error Risk
Mistakes on Form SS-4 can cause rejections, requiring you to reapply. Some errors create long-term tax filing issues.
Common errors: Name mismatch, wrong entity type, incorrect formation date
Availability Issues
IRS online is only available Mon-Fri, 7am-10pm EST. Weekend or evening? You're out of luck.
System maintenance and outages are common during tax season
No Support
If something goes wrong, your only option is calling the IRS. Average wait time: 30+ minutes.
IRS phone support cannot fix most online application issues
Who Should Use the Free IRS Application?
Free IRS Works If You:
- Have all required information ready
- Can complete in one 15-minute session
- Apply Mon-Fri, 7am-10pm EST
- Have US residence and SSN
- Are comfortable with IRS forms
Consider Professional Service If:
- Your time is valuable
- You want expert review before submission
- You need it outside IRS hours
- You have questions about entity type
- You want someone to handle issues
Professional Service Pricing
Not free, but worth it for most business owners
Ready to Apply?
Start Your Application
Select your business entity type to begin your EIN application
Sole Proprietorship
A business owned and operated by one individual with no legal distinction between the owner and the business.
from $97$97Single-Member LLC
A limited liability company with only one member that provides liability protection with pass-through taxation.
from $97$97Multi-Member LLC
A limited liability company with multiple members that combines liability protection with flexible management.
from $97$97Corporation
A legal entity separate from its owners that provides the strongest liability protection but faces double taxation.
from $97$97S Corporation
A corporation that elects to pass corporate income, losses, deductions, and credits through to shareholders.
from $97$97Partnership
A business relationship between two or more people who share management and profits.
from $97$97Non-Profit
An organization that uses its surplus revenues to further its purpose rather than distributing them as profit.
from $97$97Estate
A legal entity created after a person's death to manage and distribute their assets.
from $97$97Trust
A fiduciary arrangement that allows a third party to hold assets on behalf of beneficiaries.
from $97$97Other
Other entity types including governmental organizations, religious organizations, and foreign entities.
from $97$97
Need help choosing? Each option corresponds to an official IRS entity classification. View detailed definitions below
Free EIN FAQ
Is there really a free EIN application?
Yes. The IRS offers free EIN applications online, by phone, fax, or mail. The IRS never charges for EINs.
Why do professional services charge money?
Professional services charge for expert preparation (ensuring you select the right options), accuracy review, faster processing, and support. We review your application before submission.
Is using a professional service worth it?
It depends on how you value your time and risk tolerance. If you earn $50+/hour, the time savings alone justify our Basic package. If accuracy matters (it should), our review process provides added support.
Can I try free first, then use your service if I have problems?
Yes, but be careful—errors on the IRS application can create problems we then have to fix. It's often cleaner to start with professional service than to fix a mistake.